La Salle County achieves a composite score of 68.8, ranking in the top 31% of U.S. counties and well above the national median of 50.0. This strong showing reflects genuine livability advantages compared to most American communities.
2 / 5
Above average for Texas
At 68.8, La Salle outperforms Texas's state average of 66.8, placing it above the midpoint among the state's counties. The county demonstrates above-average livability within its competitive state context.
3 / 5
Tax and housing affordability shine
La Salle excels with a Tax Score of 58.4 and an exceptional Cost Score of 88.8, featuring median home values of $101,000 and extremely affordable housing overall. Combined, these strengths create a financially attractive county for cost-conscious movers.
4 / 5
Low income levels and limited data
The county's Income Score of 19.6 reflects median household income of $55,469, the lowest in this group, limiting wealth accumulation. Rental pricing and data on safety, health, and schools remain unavailable, leaving important livability factors unmeasured.
5 / 5
Perfect for affordable rural living
La Salle County appeals to retirees or remote workers seeking unbeatable housing affordability and low tax burdens in a rural Texas setting. The county rewards those who can support themselves without relying on local job markets.
La Salle County achieves a composite score of 68.8, ranking in the top 31% of U.S. counties and well above the national median of 50.0. This strong showing reflects genuine livability advantages compared to most American communities.
Above average for Texas
At 68.8, La Salle outperforms Texas's state average of 66.8, placing it above the midpoint among the state's counties. The county demonstrates above-average livability within its competitive state context.
Tax and housing affordability shine
La Salle excels with a Tax Score of 58.4 and an exceptional Cost Score of 88.8, featuring median home values of $101,000 and extremely affordable housing overall. Combined, these strengths create a financially attractive county for cost-conscious movers.
Low income levels and limited data
The county's Income Score of 19.6 reflects median household income of $55,469, the lowest in this group, limiting wealth accumulation. Rental pricing and data on safety, health, and schools remain unavailable, leaving important livability factors unmeasured.
Perfect for affordable rural living
La Salle County appeals to retirees or remote workers seeking unbeatable housing affordability and low tax burdens in a rural Texas setting. The county rewards those who can support themselves without relying on local job markets.
Score breakdown
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🏛58.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
La Salle County's effective tax rate of 1.561% nearly doubles the national median rate of 0.84%, placing it in the upper range nationally. At a median annual tax of $1,577 on homes valued near $101,000, La Salle County residents pay considerably less than the national median of $2,690 simply because property values are much lower.
Higher-taxing county in Texas
La Salle County's effective rate of 1.561% exceeds the Texas state average of 1.276%, ranking it among the state's more tax-intensive counties. Its median annual tax of $1,577 is notably lower than the state median of $2,193 due to the county's lower median home value of $101,000.
Higher rate than most regional peers
La Salle County's 1.561% rate sits between Knox County (1.862%) and nearby counties like Lamar (0.951%) and Lamb (1.192%), making it a mid-to-high taxer regionally. Only Knox County's rate exceeds it in this cluster, though La Salle's slightly higher median home value offsets some burden.
Your typical annual property tax bill
On La Salle County's median home value of $101,000, you'll owe approximately $1,577 in annual property taxes. With mortgage escrow, that figure climbs to about $2,432 per year.
Appeal if you're overassessed
Property overassessment remains common in La Salle County, especially for homes whose values have shifted. Requesting a formal appraisal review from your county appraisal district takes minimal effort and can yield significant tax savings.
While rental data for La Salle County is limited, homeownership costs tell a strong affordability story. At $659 monthly for mortgage payments on a median home value of $101,000, owners spend roughly 14% of the median household income ($55,469) on housing—comfortably below national affordability thresholds.
Affordable ownership in Texas
La Salle County's median home value of $101,000 is dramatically lower than many Texas counties, and monthly owner costs of $659 rank it among the state's most affordable homeownership markets. The county's income-to-housing ratio suggests strong purchasing power for buyers seeking entry-level properties.
Lower costs than surrounding counties
La Salle County's $101,000 median home value undercuts nearby Lampasas County ($236,000) and Lavaca County ($220,900) significantly. Its $659 monthly owner cost makes it particularly competitive for buyers comparing options across south-central Texas.
Ownership over renting here
With a median household income of $55,469 and median monthly owner costs of $659, La Salle County homeowners dedicate roughly 14% of income to mortgages. While rental data remains unavailable, the ownership numbers suggest strong affordability for those ready to buy.
La Salle for first-time buyers
If homeownership is your goal, La Salle County's low median home value and modest monthly costs make it a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers. Explore how its $101,000 median home price compares to neighboring counties like Lampasas or Lavaca to maximize your investment.
La Salle County significantly below national income
La Salle County's median household income of $55,469 is 26% lower than the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it among the nation's lower-income counties. This gap reflects limited economic diversification in South Texas.
Lowest income among surveyed Texas counties
At $55,469, La Salle County earns 14% less than the Texas median of $64,737, ranking it in the bottom tier statewide. The county's economy centers on ranching, oil, and limited agricultural production, limiting wage growth.
Lowest earner in South Texas cluster
La Salle County's $55,469 income is the lowest among nearby counties including Kleberg ($57,612) and Lamb ($56,997). The disparity suggests La Salle faces unique economic headwinds within an already challenged region.
Limited affordability data, but housing modest
While rent-to-income data is unavailable for La Salle County, the median home value of $101,000 suggests housing remains affordable on local incomes. However, the county's very low per capita income of $16,317 indicates wealth concentration concerns.
La Salle County's modest home values create an opportunity for residents to build equity without excessive debt burden. Even households earning the median income can prioritize retirement contributions and emergency funds by choosing housing aligned with 25-30% of income, rather than stretching for expensive properties.
La Salle County's life expectancy of 73.2 years falls 5.7 years short of the U.S. average of 78.9 years. Alarmingly, 34.7% of residents report poor or fair health—the highest rate among all eight counties—indicating serious population health stress.
La Salle ranks poorly on state measures
At 73.2 years, La Salle's life expectancy trails Texas's average of 74.3 years, and its 34.7% poor/fair health rate far exceeds typical state benchmarks. The 22.4% uninsured rate compounds these challenges, ranking among the state's highest.
La Salle has highest poor health rate
La Salle's 34.7% poor or fair health rate dramatically exceeds neighboring counties—nearly 15 percentage points worse than Lamar (22.2%) and Kleberg (26.6%). Its 22.4% uninsured rate is also among the region's worst.
Mental health access present, primary care limited
La Salle provides 77 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, a relative bright spot for behavioral health access. However, primary care provider data is unavailable, and with 22.4% uninsured, many residents cannot afford to use available services.
La Salle health crisis demands action
With nearly 1 in 3 residents reporting poor or fair health and 22.4% uninsured, La Salle faces a public health emergency requiring immediate insurance coverage. Visit healthcare.gov today to find affordable plans, or contact local health centers for sliding-scale care options.
La Salle County's composite risk score of 22.55 places it solidly below the national average, with a "Very Low" rating. The county benefits from geographic isolation and limited exposure to the state's most severe hazards.
Low-risk profile within Texas
Scoring 22.55 against Texas's state average of 49.00, La Salle County ranks among the state's safer communities. This 55% reduction from state-level risk reflects its inland location and distance from major disaster corridors.
Safer than Kleberg, comparable to Knox
La Salle County's risk score of 22.55 falls below riskier Kleberg County (84.41) but slightly above Knox County (17.84). The county occupies a secure position within its regional context.
Wildfire and hurricane pose modest threats
Wildfire risk reaches 66.00 and hurricane risk 63.37—La Salle's two highest exposures—though both remain manageable compared to coastal counties. Tornado and flood risks (24.49 and 23.44) stay well below state averages.
Standard coverage protects most residents
Basic homeowners insurance provides solid protection for La Salle County residents, though property owners in scrubland areas should maintain defensible perimeters against wildfire. Most residents avoid the need for specialized flood or hurricane coverage.